Title: The River
Author: Michael Neale
Pages: 320
Year: 2012
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
When
was the last time you took a risk? The
risk I am talking about is the one of facing the past head on in order to move
forward in the journey of life. The River
is a collection of various parts of the author’s life story, including
conversations and events. Sometimes we
forget to stop and really listen to the leading of the Lord. All people on earth are acquainted with
grief, sorrow, heartache, joy, exhilaration, and triumph. The older people have within themselves a
reservoir of knowledge as well as wisdom to pass on to others.
The theme is what different people
learn when whitewater rafting, and deciding what course to take after the ride
is over. The main character is a little
boy whose father is lost while saving a life, and the life he subsequently struggled
through as he grew up. While this is
fictionally based, it will be interesting to discover how the story speaks to
you. What family stories have you found
yourself telling over and over again?
Perhaps you don’t say anything to anyone, but maybe you think about the
stories of your life as you wait for a ride somewhere, watch the sun set or
wait at a stop light. Did you ever read
a journal from someone in your family?
This young man read not only the words of his father, but of his
grandfather too. When he did read the words
of wisdom, he understood who he was because of where he came from.
Perhaps that is why Jesus used
stories so much because everyone likes listening to a story. Jesus’ teachings were what made the stories
life-changing with the backdrop being everyday life. He used the life events of His day to show
the reality of Who He was then and still is today. Did it ever cause you to pause and think that
no matter how many times the disciples heard the stories;
the light of understanding didn’t go on right away?
The River challenges this
young man and others to sit and be still.
It calls them to face and conquer their fears and to really know the joy
of triumph at the end. While there are
parts of this novel that may not be in a setting your life is in, I am thinking
your heart will be touched as was mine.
The story is told while two men are waiting to fly out of an airport to
go home. When the hearer of the story
leaves the airport, the story itself resonates within his heart. Don’t be surprised if it resonates within
yours as well.
I read this in one sitting and was
mesmerized while reading the book. Even
if you don’t have time to read the whole book at one time, make time to read it
through several sittings. You can surely
identify with the themes of love, friendship, heartache, forgiveness, and
learning to live again. The novel is a
great tale that will touch you to the depths of your soul; I know it did mine.
My rating is 5 stars.
Note: I received a
complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely
my responsibility. Other reviews can be
read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988,
FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457
